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MALAYSIA has recorded a moderate improvement in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), rising to 54th place globally from 57th in 2024, with a score of 52 points, up from 50 points in both 2024 and 2023.
The assessment, based on 13 expert surveys and evaluations, measures perceptions of public sector corruption across 182 countries and territories worldwide.
“This reflects a modest but encouraging improvement compared to previous years,” said Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) President, Raymon Ram, in a statement today.
“The increase also demonstrates that anti-corruption measures, enforcement actions, and governance commitments are being recognised internationally,” he added.
Raymon attributed the gains to several legislative and regulatory initiatives, including the enactment of the 2023 Financial and Fiscal Responsibility Act, amendments to the 1957 Audit Act that extended the Auditor-General’s oversight of government-linked companies and investment-linked corporations, and the introduction of beneficial ownership transparency under the 2024 Companies (Amendment) Act.
He also noted that sustained enforcement actions against senior public officials and political elites, along with proposals for new laws such as the Government Procurement Bill and amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act, contributed to the higher score.
Nevertheless, Raymon emphasised that significant weaknesses persist, particularly in the pace and detail of institutional and legal reforms.
“One of TI-M’s main concerns is the risk of corruption in large-scale, high-risk government procurement if discretionary powers are not tightened and independent oversight is not fully institutionalised,” he said.
He cautioned that the preliminary improvement in Malaysia’s CPI should be seen as a signal of potential rather than systemic change.
“Without effective implementation, policy rhetoric and commitments risk losing credibility,” he warned.
Globally, Denmark, Finland, and Singapore lead the 2025 CPI rankings, reflecting consistently strong governance, integrity, and accountability in their institutions, with scores of 89, 88, and 84 points respectively. - February 10, 2026
